Palliative care is for anyone who might have any one of many different medical conditions. I have MS along with DLBCL lymphoma. Some years back while in the hospital for my MS one of the nurses told me about palliative care. They told me which was much different than hospice and dealt with much more than medications. It can be done for as long as needed and anytime. Recently, my GP Dr referred me to palliative care for medication. I have since in the last week talk to a Doctor Who did palliative care and he felt he was not sufficiently qualified for my situation and referred me to somebody else in the LifeStance network. Ipreviously mentioned they do all types of mental health services. The company I am currently dealing with is called LifeStance and at this time, I am extremely satisfied with their services. Like I had mentioned the first doctor I talked with, did not feel he had the expertise to deal with my situation and his recommended that I see somebody else in the LifeStance network. They called me this morning and have scheduled a meeting with another specialist on Friday. They have contacts with doctors across the country. I would really recommend their service. I think you need a referral for them, but I’m not positive but if you look on the Internet, you will find many reviews and probably information to contact them and see what they’re requirements are for referrals.

I was helped by Palliative care when I was really struggling with lymphoma and extreme fatigue.
My Palliative Care Nurse was able to help with pain medicine, She helped me to express my frustration. She explained what each of my medications was for.and she researched if any medication had a bad side effect.or negatively impacted other meds. Palliative care is not hospice it’s life care.

Palliative care is a specialized form of care that provides symptom relief, comfort and support to people living with serious or chronic illnesses, not just cancer. It also provides support to caregivers and those impacted by a loved one’s condition. Its about improving your quality of life. Palliative care does not necessarily mean someone is close to death.

Angus-
You can ask your oncologist for a referral and they will get you set up with it. You will need a referral from your doctor.